McEnroe Handed Unexpected Jolt in Defeat by Pugh

John McEnroe’s Wimbledon preparations received an unexpected jolt today when he was beaten 3-6, 7-6, 7-6 by fellow American Jim Pugh in the second round of a grass-court warm-up tournament.

McEnroe, the No. 2 seed at the Wirral International and seeded fifth at Wimbledon next week, gained the only service break in the match as he took the opening set, but was edged in both tiebreakers.

Pugh is ranked 88th in the world and is a doubles specialist.

Afterward, the three-time Wimbledon champion said he is not discouraged and will be going into next week’s Grand Slam event with his hopes still high. He plays Australia’s Darren Cahill in the first round.